Military

Further Reading

Avtomat Kalashnikov AK-74

The AK 74 is a gas operated assault weapon used by the Soviet Army. It is basically an AKM rechambered to fire a 5.45mm round. It has a higher muzzle velocity than the AK 47/AKM, which gives it a longer effective range. It does not have the accuracy of the M16, but reportedly has better reliability in a combat situation and less maintenance requirements than the M16.

Ammunition Types

5.45 mm

Typical Combat Load Magazine Capacity

30

SYSTEM

Weight (kg)

3.6 loaded

Length (mm)

933

Cyclic Rate of fire (rd/min)

600

Operation

Gas operated

Fire Mode

Semi-automatic, Full automatic

SIGHTS

Front

Post, Rear: U-notch

Night sights are available.

AMMUNITION

Name

5.45mm

Caliber/length

5.45 x 39 mm

Effective Range (m)

500

Muzzle Velocity (m/s)

900

VARIANTS

AK-74 - Kalashnikov assault rifle, caliber 5.45 mm. In 1967, pursuant to the Resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers, a competition was organized to design an assault rifle fit to use the new 5.45-mm cartridge. The AK-74 was designed by ?. D. Kryakushin's group under the designer supervision of M. T. Kalashnikov. Based on the competition results, this assault rifle was included in the inventory in 1974 as part of the 5.45-mm small arms complex. The cartridge used in the AK-74 weighs 1.5 times less as compared with the 7.62-mm cartridge. The soldier can carry 1.5 times more cartridges without increasing the weight of the portable reserve ammunition. In addition, the bullet speed of the 5.45-mm caliber is higher.

AK-74N - Kalashnikov assault rifle with night sight NSPU, caliber 5.45 mm. This model was included in the inventory in 1974.

AK-74N1 - Kalashnikov assault rifle with a night sight mount, caliber 5.45 mm. This model was included in the inventory in 1974.

AK-74N? - Kalashnikov assault rifle with night sight 1PN51, caliber 5.45 mm. This sight is smaller in size than NSPU: it is twice as short, which considerably improves operating properties, especially its carrying. This model was included in the inventory in 1974.

AKS-74 - Kalashnikov assault rifle with a folding stock, caliber 5.45 mm. This model was included in the inventory in 1974 for landing forces.

AKS-74N - Kalashnikov assault rifle with a folding stock and night sight NSPU, caliber 5.45 mm. This model was included in the inventory in 1974.

AKS-74U - shortened Kalashnikov assault rifle with a folding stock, caliber 5.45 mm. It was designed by S. N. Furman's group under the designer supervision of M. T. Kalashnikov. Its shortened barrel makes this assault rifle easier to handle and lighter in weight. This model was included in the inventory in 1979.

AK-74M - modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle, caliber 5.45 mm. This model was designed under the supervision of chief designer N. A. Bezborodov and M. T. Kalashnikov, under the technical development plan of the Central Artillery and Missile Department, and included in the inventory in 1991. The AK-74? is based on all four AK-74 modifications. It has a folding plastic stock, which is similar to the stationary model in shape, and a lateral base for mounting an optical or night sight.